Why Your Dog Is Coughing Like Something Is Stuck in Its Throat
Coughing in dogs can be alarming, especially if it sounds like your pet is choking or trying to clear something from its throat. While many causes are minor and self-resolving, some may require veterinary intervention. Understanding the possible reasons for this behavior can help you decide the next steps for your dog's health and comfort.
Common Causes of Dog Coughing
- Kennel Cough: A highly contagious but usually mild infection that causes a dry, honking cough. It typically worsens with activity or excitement and is common in shelters, kennels, or dog parks.
- Tracheal Collapse: Especially prevalent in small breeds, this condition occurs when the windpipe's cartilage weakens, causing a loud, honking cough triggered by pulling on the leash or excitement.
- Foreign Object: Dogs can inhale particles like grass, small toys, or food, which leads to sudden coughing, gagging, or retching. This should be treated as an emergency if it doesn't resolve quickly.
- Respiratory Infections: These include bronchitis or pneumonia caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms typically include persistent coughing, fever, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
- Chronic Bronchitis: A lasting inflammation of the lower airways that results in a deep, dry cough, especially after exercise or excitement. This condition may require long-term medication.
- Allergies: Environmental allergens like dust, mold, or pollen can trigger coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy skin.
- Heart Disease: Conditions like mitral valve disease or congestive heart failure can cause a soft but chronic cough, especially noticeable at night or when lying down.
- Pneumonia: Caused by bacteria, viruses, or aspirated food/vomit, pneumonia results in wet, phlegmy coughing, labored breathing, and lethargy.
- Reverse Sneezing: Often mistaken for coughing, this harmless reflex results in sudden, loud inhalation that sounds like choking.
Types of Dog Coughs and Their Meaning
- Dry, hacking cough: Often linked to kennel cough or chronic bronchitis.
- Honking cough: Commonly associated with tracheal collapse.
- Wet, phlegmy cough: Suggests pneumonia or congestive heart failure.
- High-pitched gagging: May indicate irritation or a foreign object in the throat.
- Coughing at night: Frequently points to heart failure.
When to See the Vet
If your dog is coughing persistently, showing other symptoms, or the cough worsens, seek veterinary care immediately. Warning signs include:
- Difficulty or rapid breathing
- Blue or pale gums
- Excess drooling or collapse
- Coughing up blood or green/yellow mucus
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Diagnosis
A vet may perform several diagnostic tests to determine the root cause of your dog’s cough:
- Chest X-rays
- Bloodwork
- Heartworm testing
- Bronchoscopy or endoscopy
- Echocardiography
- Fecal exams
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Antiparasitic medications for lungworm or heartworm
- Bronchodilators and corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions
- Cardiac medications for heart diseases
- Oxygen support or humidifier use for breathing issues
- Surgical intervention for foreign objects or tumors
Home Care Tips
- Ensure your dog rests in a calm, humidified environment
- Use a harness instead of a collar during walks
- Avoid exposure to smoke and airborne chemicals
- Maintain hydration and monitor appetite
- Never administer human cough medicine without a vet’s guidance
Preventive Measures
- Keep vaccinations current (distemper, kennel cough, canine flu)
- Stay updated on heartworm and parasite preventives
- Limit exposure to contaminated areas or infected dogs
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce respiratory strain
Conclusion: A dog coughing like something is stuck in its throat can point to a range of conditions—from benign to severe. Carefully observing the type and timing of the cough and consulting your vet for persistent or worsening symptoms ensures your pet stays healthy and happy.
